Headlight dimmer switch device

Abstract

The switch device of the present invention includes an actuator member operated by linear movement in a first direction. An angularly movable member angularly moves in response to the linear movement of the actuator member. The direction of angular movement of the angularly movable member is reversed each time the actuator member is moved an additional distance. A first switch is switched between one state and the other each time the direction of angular movement of the angularly movable member is reversed. A cam member is angularly movable in response to the linear movement of the actuator member in the first direction. The cam members includes an operation portion for moving one of two opposed contacts of a second switch relative to the other to turn on the second switch. When the cam member is angularly moved, the operating portion is movable a distance smaller than a distance of linear movement of the actuator member.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A switch device comprising: (a) an actuator member having means for moving linearly in a first direction;   (b) an angularly movable member pivotably movable in second and third directions in response to the movement of said actuator member, the direction of angular movement of said angularly movable member alternating between said second and third directions when said actuator member is moved in said first direction;   (c) a first switch of the momentary type having a first movable contact and a pair of first fixed contacts, means for alternately pivoting said movable contact into contact with said pair of fixed contacts to effect a switching operation in response to said angularly movable member changing from said second to third directions and said third to second directions;   (d) a second switch having a second movable contact and a second fixed contact disposed in opposed relation to said second movable contact; and   (e) a cam member having an operation portion engaged with said second movable contact, means for angularly moving said cam member in response to the movement of said actuator member to cause said operation portion to place said second movable contact in contact with said second fixed contact before said first switch is switched, said operation portion being movable a first distance, said first distance being smaller than the distance traveled by said actuator member.   
     
     
       2. A switch device comprising: (a) an actuator member having means for moving linearly in a first direction;   (b) an angularly movable member pivotably movable in second and third directions in response to the movement of said actuator member, the direction of angular movement of said angularly movable member alternating between said second and third directions when said actuator member is moved in said first direction;   (c) a first switch of the momentary type having a first movable contact and a pair of first fixed contacts, means for alternately pivoting said movable contact into contact with said pair of fixed contacts to effect a switching operation in response to said angularly movable member changing from said second to third directions and said third to second directions;   (d) a second switch having a second movable contact and a second fixed contact disposed in opposed relation to said second movable contact; and   (e) a cam member having an operation portion engaged with said second movable contact, means for angularly moving said cam member in response to the movement of said actuator member to cause said operation portion to place said second movable contact in contact with said second fixed contact, said operation portion being movable a first distance, said first distance being smaller than the distance traveled by said actuator member upon moving a further distance;   wherein said second movable contact is in the form of a leaf spring disposed in opposed relation to said second fixed contact, and said operation portion of said cam member being engaged with said leaf spring intermediate the opposite ends of said leaf spring.   
     
     
       3. The switch device according to claim 2, wherein said operating portion of said cam member biases said other end of said leaf spring into contact with said second fixed contact in response to an initial movement of said actuator member through the angular movement of said cam member, said operation portion urges the longitudinal flexing of said leaf spring when said operation portion is moved by a further movement of said actuator member. 
     
     
       4. A switch device comprising: (a) an actuator member having means for moving linearly in a first direction;   (b) an angularly movable member pivotably movable in second and third directions in response to the movement of said actuator member, the direction of angular movement of said angularly movable member alternating between said second and third directions when said actuator member is moved in said first direction;   (c) a first switch of the momentary type having a first movable contact and a pair of first fixed contacts, means for alternately pivoting said movable contact into contact with said pair of fixed contacts to effect a switching operation in response to said angularly movable member changing from said second to third directions and said third to second directions;   (d) a second switch having a second movable contact and a second fixed contact disposed in opposed relation to said second movable contact;   (e) a cam member having an operation portion engaged with said second movable contact, means for angularly moving said cam member in response to the movement of said actuator member to cause said operation portion to place said second movable contact in contact with said second fixed contact, said operation portion being movable a first distance, said first distance being smaller than the distance traveled by said actuator member upon moving a further distance; and   (f) an operating rod operatively connected at one end to said actuator member for linear movement therewith, said cam member having a shaft portion and a pair of first and second arms extending from said shaft portion in generally opposite directions, said cam member being angularly movable about the axis of said shaft portion, said first arm being greater in length than said second arm, the other end of said operating rod being engageable with said first arm to angularly move said cam member about the axis of said shaft portion, and said second arm serving as said operation portion of said cam member.